Viv Richards en route to his match-winning hundred at Lord’s in 1979 World Cup final

Viv Richards en route to his match-winning hundred at Lord’s in 1979 World Cup final

The West Indies steamrolled oppositions in the late 70s and already had the first World Cup title under kitty. A fearsome bowling attack was complemented by their brutal batting line-up, and speaking of their batting the first name that pops up in one’s mind has to be the great Viv Richards.

Richards could dismantle any bowling attack in the world but in the final of the World Cup in 1979, the Master decided to take a backseat and build the innings, while Collis King taking charge and dominating.

In the above picture, we see Richards playing a shot towards the square-leg. It was a subdued and patient innings by Richards’ standards and after the end of 60 overs, West Indies were 286, and Richards unbeaten on 138 from 157 balls, having scored at a strike rate of almost 88 (and it was still 1970s!).

However the knock was delicate by no means and he ensured the crowd had enough to cheer about. Immediately after his hundred, he hit one over Mike Hendrik’s head. Hendrik, who had been one of the best bowlers in the tournament, was flicked by Richards for an iconic six off the last ball of the innings.

Such phenomenal player was Richards that he could play at will, and here he had done enough to help West Indies win the World Cup for the second time and in succession. For his marathon knock, he was adjudged the man-of-the-match.